Clevedon Swimming Club hosted a meet up for children across the South West with upper and lower limb differences at Strode Swimming pool, in partnership with the charity Reach recently. 

Lee Havey, Reach trustee and parent of Clevedon para swimmer, Rue Harvey aged nine alongside Reach's local brand co-ordinator organised the session to raise awareness and inclusivity of upper limb differences in swimming. 

Rue swims competitively for Clevedon thanks to adapted coaching methods which encourage and support his pathway to potential para competition swimming. 

The children who attended the session all have upper and lower limb differences. Clevedon Head Coach Pat Leaman and Senior Club Captain Eva Farmery organised the event with a focus on fun and safety in the water.

Clevedon's young volunteers were also involved and in the water with the new swimmers, assisting the children on a one to one basis and sharing their love of swimming. 

Parent and Reach trustee Lee Harvey said: "It was so inspirational to watch and Clevedon Swimming Club do a fantastic job of being inclusive for swimmers with limb differences. Grassroots sports clubs have much to do to be able to welcome children of all abilities."

Reach is a national charity for people of all ages with upper limb differences. You can find out more about Reach and find your local branch here www.reach.org.uk. 

If you're intersted in joining an inclusive competitive swimming club, get in touch by emailing join@clevedonasc.org.uk